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| - Criminals!
Their eyes light up when they see what your insurance will cover.
I went in for pain that was more than likely plantar fasciitis. I filled the forms out prior to going in. They ran my insurance and told me what was covered and how much the appointment will be.
I was called to a room and asked what the problem was. I explained my symptoms. The medical technician commented on how small of a deductable I had and how amazing it was that x-rays and injections were covered. She left the room and came back to tell me the doctor wanted x-rays, before he even saw me. Took the x-rays and then the Dr saw me. Had he seen the x-rays yet? No. He used a sonogram to discover that I did indeed have plantar fasciitis and a severe case, in his opinion. He suggested a shot of cortisone and wearing an ankle brace for about 8 weeks. He then excused himself to look at the x-rays. He came back and gave me the shot. After he left, the technician came in with a box, opened it up, threw away any internal packaging. Put the brace on me. I didn't. She did. Then handed me a clip board to sign saying I received the brace. I walked to the front to pay and set a follow up appointment. Here is where I was first told the cost of the brace. Brace yourself: $133.00. I was in shock. That seemed like a lot of money. I even exclaimed that I feel like I'm being fleeced. I got out of there for $170+.
I started talking about this appointment at dinner. The more I thought about it while speaking about it, got me thinking about how much the brace would cost on Amazon, they never fail. Get this, $59.95, free shipping! I was livid. I still am. What happened to me at that office?
I called the next day to talk to the office manager about my experience. A brace was PUT ON me by a technician from their office, asked to sign that I received it AND then told how much it was, once I was at to the front of the office, where I had to walk to. I shared with her how the experience and the exorbitant amount I was charged is very disturbing. I got the usual "I'm sorry you feel that way". "I'm sorry YOU FEEL THAT WAY"! Hold on, let me call the bank and see how much that was worth. Surprise, nothing. I asked if they will take the brace back? Obviously, no. I asked if she thought perhaps I should have been told how much out of pocket this would be BEFORE putting it on me? She said "we told you what your insurance covers when you first came in". Really? That excuses being charged double the price of an ankle brace?
Decent people of our community, I say to you, I got fleeced. And so did my insurance. Did I need the x-rays? Debatable. Did I need the shot? Probably. Do I need the ankle brace? Not at DOUBLE the cost! But I had no choice as I had already worn it and signed that I received it.
Criminals! Despicable practices! Fraudsters! Money hungry office that could care less about you unless you can afford it.
Heed my warning, do NOT go to this office. Let my example steer you away.
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